It was ahead of its time when it premiered in cinemas in 1982. “Tron” became a science fiction classic and captivated viewers with innovative visual effects – however, this Disney movie did not reach its ambitious box office goals.

The follow-up, “Tron: Legacy” (2010), did not achieve blockbuster success either. However, both movies have developed a dedicated fanbase.

Now, the third part has arrived. Will “Tron: Ares” offer something fresh in 2025?

“It seems as though we’ve reached the future of science fiction as it’s unfolding in real time,” said Gillian Anderson during an interview with dpa in London.

Three decades following her rise to fame in “The X-Files,” Anderson returns to a science fiction role, portraying Elisabeth Dillinger, the daughter of villain Ed Dillinger from the original “Tron” movie.

“Much of what is depicted in the film hasn’t been created yet,” she stated. However, a portion of the film’s theme revolves around military-grade weapons “and that’s precisely how the future seems to be heading for us,” – even though there are beneficial aspects emerging from medicine or science – “or unhelpful” ones arising from artificial intelligence (AI).

“It seems as if a great number of events are happening at the same time,” she remarked, pointing out that there are many frightening elements.

From the digital realm to reality

When “Tron” was first shown, home computers were still uncommon. In the movie, Jeff Bridges portrayed Flynn, a video game developer who was taken into a computer and had to fight against dangerous technology – and artificial intelligence – in a virtual realm.

Forty-three years later, in “Tron: Ares,” the programs are exiting the computer and posing a danger to the real world.

Julian Dillinger (Evan Peters), the grandson of Ed Dillinger, has created military gear and soldiers driven by artificial intelligence through his business. These can be manufactured in a matter of minutes—essentially using 3D printers—but have a brief duration. Unlike his mother Elisabeth, Julian exhibits minimal ethical boundaries.

Dillinger’s competitor, Eve Kim (Greta Lee), who currently leads Flynn’s old company, is developing something comparable but with noble intentions. Once Eve finally uncovers the method to create computer-generated objects such as fruit trees that endure indefinitely, Dillinger takes drastic actions. He deploys his AI soldiers, Ares (Jared Leto) and Athena (Jodie Turner-Smith), to track down Eve and seize the formula. Nevertheless, Ares soon turns unmanageable, even for Dillinger.

Light Cycles speed across Vancouver

Although the initial two movies explored the inner mechanics of a computer, “Tron: Ares” somewhat inverts this idea.

“This film centers on assets entering our world,” stated producer Justin Springer, who co-produced “Tron: Legacy” alongside Sean Bailey.

That’s why we are “giving it a genuine feel for the audience by filming “on the streets and creating actual light cycles.”

Digital light cycles – famous virtual motorcycles that sparked a popular video game in the 1980s – are now seen speeding through actual streets in “Tron: Ares.” These impressive sequences are some of the standout moments in the film, which is visually impressive and directed by Joachim Rønning (“Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales”). The movie was shot in Vancouver, Canada, and on large custom-built sets.

Nostalgia and an ideal musical score

For enthusiasts, “Tron: Ares” provides a wealth of nostalgic elements. One notable scene—though very short—is Jeff Bridges’ appearance in a 1982 computer, with everything appearing exactly as it did in the original “Tron.” Careful viewers will also notice various hidden details and subtle nods.

Music has always played a significant role in “Tron.” In the original movie, sound innovator Wendy Carlos developed an outstanding futuristic score using unique synthesizer sounds. Carlos is also known as the first openly trans composer in the music industry.

For “Tron: Legacy,” Daft Punk provided a dance-friendly soundtrack that gained a dedicated following – consider the song “Derezzed.”

For “Tron: Ares,” Nine Inch Nails deliver a more intense auditory experience. Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, known for creating many highly praised film soundtracks in the last 15 years, received an Oscar and a Golden Globe for Disney’s “Soul.” Their contribution to “Tron: Ares” goes well beyond mere background scoring. The strong mix of electronic, industrial, and orchestral components perfectly matches the visuals.

A show for the largest screen

Oscar-winning actor Jared Leto (“Dallas Buyers Club”), who has recently encountered some unfavorable media coverage, gives a compelling portrayal of Ares. Anderson and Peters also excel as the opposing members of the Dillinger family. Nevertheless, the talented British actor Jodie Turner-Smith (“The Agency”) emerges as the film’s hidden gem, captivating audiences with her intense performance as Athena.

The third part of the “Tron” series is a commendable follow-up – a visually and sonically engaging blockbuster that is best enjoyed on the biggest screen available, preferably in an IMAX theater. However, it is uncertain whether “Tron: Ares” will draw a wide audience and perform well at the box office, as previous entries have done. Ultimately, it is a film primarily for fans.

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